My In-Dash Car PC project

[TheForce]

Everything I have done so far should work in any prius 2004-2009

[TheForce]

I just got done installing a car2pc in my car for my PC.

So far the thing works great. I can now use the steering wheel to move to the next track. Holding in the Mode button to turn off the radio does turn off the radio but it also pauses winamp which can be a good thing sometimes. The only thing that does not work that I know if is text on the MFD. But I don't care about that. Also it says you must be on CD changer for it to work. Well when you go through the different modes it will not say CD changer. It actuall wont say anything but it will still work. For an example when you press the mode button you cycle through AM, FM1, FM2, (this is blank), AUX, and repeat. The blank spot is the CD changer or the car2pc device.

The device fit nicely in front of the large wire block behind the dash. Its located between the radio and the glove box.

The reason that I bought the car2pc is because the way I have the CAN-View and car PC setup. If I'm viewing the CAN-View and want to change the song I have to switch to the PC. Then when I go back to the CAN-View the CAN-View will not recognize touches. So my solution was the car2pc. Now I can leave it on the CAN-View screen and change songs with the steering wheel. It also makes it safer since I don't have to look down at the screen to find the next song button.

I think my car PC is complete now. I cant think of anything else I want to do to it at the moment.

[markderail]

This is interesting.

I can have a PC with USB, that would be tethered to my BlackBerry with unlimited Data Plan, the BlackBerry acting as a cellular modem for Internet access.

The screen would be the PC screen, the touch for the mouse.

Would that be possible with relatively easy-to-install 3rd party thingamajig?
I build PC's now & then, I'm a computer programmer, so wires don't scare me.
I just don't want to void the warranty.

On In Dash PC - USB MP3 car kits, iPhone, iPod car integration, MP3 AUX-IN car adapters - GROM PC adapter for Toyota Scion Lexus 98+ it's to connect to a laptop.
I want to just use a tiny Motherboard & laptop HD, and re-use the Prius screen and touchscreen. Instead of another, different, pull-out LCD screen.

Possible?

[TheForce]

For the 2006+ Prius you cant use the MFD as a touch screen computer. You can use it as a monitor only with a Lock Pick device but you still need a mouse.

[markderail]

Thanks...I'll stick to using the AUX and the mini stereo jack and a standard mp3 player.

The 6-CD mp3 play capability of the car is nice, I just wish it could be upgraded with a better version. My files are (mostly) well named and contain extra info, that the MFD doesn't display, other than a few char's of the filename.

[sxotty]

Originally Posted by TheForce

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(massimo @ Jul 23 2007, 08:57 PM) [snapback]483859[/snapback]</div>

I have not had a problem with it. The only real issue is the daytime viewing. The screen is very hard to read with the sunlight out but you get that with all LCD screens. There is something new I have been looking into called transflective. Transflective makes the screen more viewable during the day. Dont know much about it right now but if I ever do get it or find out any more I will post about it.

That issue with the gears breaking has been fixed with the new versions of the screen.

They have TMR screens as well. Cheaper and like transflective. Unfortunately none seem to be available in the in dash units.

BTW I just am reading up here as I am a grad student and will be working with a Prius (09) with a L5 module. I already put a carputer in my WRX years ago, but I thought I could save a lot of trouble if I could find how people did it in the Prius instead of trying to figure out the best spot to store everything.


(Well I can't link to mp3 car b/c of the restrictions but here is the url

vbulletin/show-off-your-project/90457-03-wrx-wagon-install.html

)<--That is my install I moved to a cold location and the HDD immediately died of course so I went to a SSD. They sell cable that lock for the HDD connection btw, but I don't know if they are actually useful. The other option is to hot glue the connections down so vibrations do not loosen them. (oops I see you did that later already).

I always heard the in dash screen broke often, and your experience seems to confirm it. From what I gather though the replacement actually worked without breaking? I want to know so I can get something together. I would prefer an in dash unit so that I don't have to futz around trying to make a complicated screen install.

(BTW when people say "in-dash" PC they usually mean the compute is in your dash, not in your trunk. Plenty of people have stuck a PC in a dual DIN opening).

[TheForce]

[QUOTE=sxotty;957950]I always heard the in dash screen broke often, and your experience seems to confirm it. From what I gather though the replacement actually worked without breaking? I want to know so I can get something together. I would prefer an in dash unit so that I don't have to futz around trying to make a complicated screen install.
QUOTE]

Your WRX install looks great!

So far my replacement screen is working great and has been in service for over a year. It looks like this new unit has a black gear which I hope is made out of something stronger than that POS white plastic.

You might get by using one of those double din screens but it may not integrate well with the dash. I went with this lilliput screen because it works with my CAN-View device and it hides away to look less like something to steal.

I hope that you post your installation here and or on MP3car.com. I havent been on mp3car.com for a while except to see what going on with riderunner and digitalFX skin.

Also welcome to priuschat!

[sxotty]

Yeah I was planning to put in a automatic in dash unit for the reasons you mentioned. It is sad there are no sunlight readable ones available though. I will definitely post up as I make progress.

Do you happen to know if anyone has replaced the electric motor in a prius? Everytime I search I never seem to find the information I am looking for (it always comes up with specs but nothing else). I was curious as you have the L5 module as well I saw and I was wondering if a more powerful electric motor could make use of the hymotion pack to meet higher acceleration standards without engaging the ICE. (have to check the current limit on the wiring too I know)

[TheForce]

Yeah I wish they made one sunlight readable. Its really not that bad as long as the sun is not reflecting off of it directly.

The Prius has been so reliable I dont know of anyone replacing the electric motor in the Prius. The prius can handle up to 120A I think. Below 34mph and in EV mode you can draw 120A for acceleration and its pretty good. A more powerful electric motor would not help at all unless you upgraded all the electronics that control the motor. The prius was never designed to be a PHEV and we have work around the issues just to get it to perform a little better with the extra battery.

Take a look at my topics for more info on getting better mileage from the L5.

REVIEW: Hymotion Battery Plug-In Prius

Coolant Temperature Hack. Better MPGs!

One Year With Hymotion Plug-In Prius.

2502 Miles 299MPG in a Prius II PHEV!


If you want you can reply to my other topics or create your own so this one does not get too far off track.